This work examines a pH control method using ammonium (NH(4)(+)) as a sustainable proton shuttle in a CEM-equipped BES. Current generation was sustained by adding NH(3) or ammonium hydroxide (NH(4)OH) to the anolyte, controlling its pH at 7. Ammonium ion migration maintained the catholyte pH at approximately 9.25. Such NH(4)(+)/NH(3) migration accounted for 90±10% of the ionic flux in the BES. ...

Stack configuration of multiple bioelectrochemical system (BES) modules is considered nowadays as the best option for a successful scale-up this technology, either in case electricity-producing microbial fuel cells (MFC) or electricity-consuming electrolysis electrosynthesis (MEC MES, respectively). While parallel electrical connection allows to independently operate each BES stack without majo...

BACKGROUND While microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) can simultaneously produce bioelectrochemical hydrogen and treat wastewater, they consume considerable energy to overcome the unfavorable thermodynamics, which is not sustainable and economically feasible in practical applications. This study presents a proof-of-concept system in which hydrogen can be produced in an MEC powered by theoretical...